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(Obtaining medical records)
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=== Obtaining medical records ===
 
=== Obtaining medical records ===
 
:: Obtaining your records can help you greatly. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Under HIPAA, patients have certain rights to their own medical records ( <u>'''[https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights HIPPA Privacy Rule & Patients' rights]'''</u> )  These rights include the right to obtain a copy of your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s).  Obtaining a copy of these items can help patients form a greater understanding of their condition and may help avoid a repeat sleep study or titration.
 
:: Obtaining your records can help you greatly. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Under HIPAA, patients have certain rights to their own medical records ( <u>'''[https://www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights HIPPA Privacy Rule & Patients' rights]'''</u> )  These rights include the right to obtain a copy of your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s).  Obtaining a copy of these items can help patients form a greater understanding of their condition and may help avoid a repeat sleep study or titration.
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For our Australian readers. <u>[http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know]</u>
  
 
=== <u>[[Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP]]</u> ===
 
:: Sample Prescriptions & Machine Recommendations
 
:: Sample Prescriptions & Machine Recommendations
  
=== [[CPAP Machine Choices]] - read this before accepting a new machine ===
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=== <u>[[CPAP Machine Choices]]</u> - read this before accepting a new machine ===
 
:: Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).<br />
 
:: Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).<br />
:: To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment ([[Durable medical equipment (DME)|DME]]) provider, patients should read "[[Archangle:Machine Choices|Archangle's Machine Choices]]" (a wiki article written by Advisory Member "Archangle").   
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:: To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment ([[Durable medical equipment (DME)|DME]]) provider, patients should read the "<u>'''[[Machine choices]]'''</u>" Wiki article.   
 
:: By obtaining a data-capable CPAP machine, the patient and doctor can monitor the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on an ongoing basis.  
 
:: By obtaining a data-capable CPAP machine, the patient and doctor can monitor the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on an ongoing basis.  
:: Using Free PC Software along with a data-capable CPAP machine will enable doctor & patient to monitor and chart the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Go to Apnea Board's [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Private-Files-and-Links Private Files & Links] area to learn how to obtain free PC software for CPAP machines.  It's necessary to [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account] to access that area.
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:: Using Free PC Software along with a data-capable CPAP machine will enable doctor & patient to monitor and chart the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Go to Apnea Board's <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Private-Files-and-Links Private Files & Links]'''</u> area to learn how to obtain free PC software for CPAP machines.  It's necessary to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account]'''</u> to access that area.
  
 
=== <u>[[Setup_or_Change_your_own_CPAP_Pressure|Setup Manuals - Change your own CPAP Pressure]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Setup_or_Change_your_own_CPAP_Pressure|Setup Manuals - Change your own CPAP Pressure]]</u> ===
:: The nitty gritty of entering in to the "Clinician Mode" of a CPAP machine in order to change pressures and other settings.
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:: The nitty gritty of entering into the "Clinician Mode" or "Setup Mode" of a CPAP machine in order to change pressures and other settings.
  
 
=== <u>[[Optimizing therapy]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Optimizing therapy]]</u> ===
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::* <u>'''[https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ Download SleepyHead]'''</u> (free) Click on the icon for the correct PC operating system, then click on the downloaded file.
 
::* <u>'''[https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ Download SleepyHead]'''</u> (free) Click on the icon for the correct PC operating system, then click on the downloaded file.
 
::* <u>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize Organize your Sleepyhead charts]'''</u>  Organizing SleepyHead charts is important, especially to help patients post relevant charts on the forum.  
 
::* <u>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize Organize your Sleepyhead charts]'''</u>  Organizing SleepyHead charts is important, especially to help patients post relevant charts on the forum.  
::* <u>'''[https://sleep.tnet.com/reference/tips/imgur Post from Imgur]'''</u> How to post screenshots of SleepyHead charts using Imgur, a free image-hosting website
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::* <u>'''[[Attaching Images and Files on Apnea Board|How to post screenshots of SleepyHead charts]]'''</u>  
 
::* <u>'''[[Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead|RobySue's Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead]]'''</u> A detailed reference guide to SleepyHead and how to interpret the data
 
::* <u>'''[[Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead|RobySue's Beginner's Guide to SleepyHead]]'''</u> A detailed reference guide to SleepyHead and how to interpret the data
  
 
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
 
=== <u>[[Mask Primer]]</u> ===
 
:: Great information about selecting, fitting and using a CPAP mask & minimizing leaks
 
:: Great information about selecting, fitting and using a CPAP mask & minimizing leaks
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 +
=== The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines ===
 +
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/APAP.htm Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines]'''
 +
 +
=== Dealing with a DME ===
 +
::read this Wiki article '''[[Dealing with a DME]]'''
 +
 +
=== Travel Compliance Letters ===
 +
 +
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/1/13/DreamStation_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf  PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
 +
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/0/02/Systen_One_EU_Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf PR System One 60 Series EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
 +
::'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/images/f/fc/Travel-Compliance-Letter.pdf ResMed 2017 Travel Compliance Letter]'''
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::Download the above letter(s) for use.
  
 
=== Help with posting a forum message ===
 
=== Help with posting a forum message ===
:: Patients need to [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account] to post a forum message.   
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:: Patients need to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/member.php?action=register register for a free forum account]'''</u> to post a forum message.   
:: The [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/misc.php?action=help Help button] at top of every forum page is useful for obtaining help with a member's forum account.  Forum Members may also ask for help in the [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Member-Account-Help-Forum Member Account Help Forum].   
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:: The <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/misc.php?action=help Help button]'''</u> at top of every forum page is useful for obtaining help with a member's forum account.  Forum Members may also ask for help in the [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Member-Account-Help-Forum Member Account Help Forum].   
:: Members are encouraged to [http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-How-to-New-Members-Please-select-an-Avatar-Complete-your-Profile completely fill out their member profile].  This is so others can offer customized help tailored to the individual.
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:: Members are encouraged to <u>'''[http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-How-to-New-Members-Please-select-an-Avatar-Complete-your-Profile completely fill out their member profile]'''</u>.  This is so others can offer customized help tailored to the individual.
  
=== Advice on Posting Questions in the Forum ===
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=== Advice on posting questions in the forum ===
 
:: * Starting a new thread (topic) and putting all related questions in that thread helps to retain the history of the topic so that it's easier for others to provide help in responses to any questions or problems.
 
:: * Starting a new thread (topic) and putting all related questions in that thread helps to retain the history of the topic so that it's easier for others to provide help in responses to any questions or problems.
 
:: * Members should try to post as much information as possible to make it easier for others to provide advice or recommendations.
 
:: * Members should try to post as much information as possible to make it easier for others to provide advice or recommendations.
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:: * It's helpful for members to include the specific type of sleep apnea or sleep disorder they have (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hypopnea, RLS, etc.)  
 
:: * It's helpful for members to include the specific type of sleep apnea or sleep disorder they have (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hypopnea, RLS, etc.)  
 
:: * If possible, members should post a copy of their sleep study or at least the summary of that study.
 
:: * If possible, members should post a copy of their sleep study or at least the summary of that study.
:: * Include a screenshot of daily [[SleepyHead]] charts.  The charts provide solid data that is used to help spot issues and form a strategy to maximize CPAP therapy settings.
+
:: * Include a screenshot of daily '''[[SleepyHead]]''' charts.  The charts provide solid data that is used to help spot issues and form a strategy to maximize CPAP therapy settings.
 
:: * Members should include other pertinent information, such how they feel physically or what is giving them the greatest difficulty,
 
:: * Members should include other pertinent information, such how they feel physically or what is giving them the greatest difficulty,

Revision as of 14:31, 16 January 2019

New to Apnea - helpful tips to ensure success

Understanding sleep apnea

A video on sleep disordered breathing & two forum articles explaining sleep apnea

New to CPAP – The Process

Defining the process & what to expect (from denial through getting a CPAP machine)

Obtaining medical records

Obtaining your records can help you greatly. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Under HIPAA, patients have certain rights to their own medical records ( HIPPA Privacy Rule & Patients' rights ) These rights include the right to obtain a copy of your Sleep study/studies, titration records and prescription(s). Obtaining a copy of these items can help patients form a greater understanding of their condition and may help avoid a repeat sleep study or titration.

For our Australian readers. qupp-benefits-and-risks-for-consumers-of-pathology-testing~qupp-what-should-i-know

Prescription - CPAP - APAP - BIPAP

Sample Prescriptions & Machine Recommendations

CPAP Machine Choices - read this before accepting a new machine

Patients are encouraged to avoid getting "stuck" with a "dumb brick" CPAP machine (a CPAP that is not fully data-capable).
To avoid being "fooled" by a greedy Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider, patients should read the "Machine choices" Wiki article.
By obtaining a data-capable CPAP machine, the patient and doctor can monitor the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on an ongoing basis.
Using Free PC Software along with a data-capable CPAP machine will enable doctor & patient to monitor and chart the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Go to Apnea Board's Private Files & Links area to learn how to obtain free PC software for CPAP machines. It's necessary to register for a free forum account to access that area.

Setup Manuals - Change your own CPAP Pressure

The nitty gritty of entering into the "Clinician Mode" or "Setup Mode" of a CPAP machine in order to change pressures and other settings.

Optimizing therapy

The basic steps to adjusting CPAP therapy for maximum effectiveness

Using SleepyHead

Data is the key to getting good feedback and the SleepyHead software is among the best PC applications to help examine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.

Mask Primer

Great information about selecting, fitting and using a CPAP mask & minimizing leaks

The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines

Article - The benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines

Dealing with a DME

read this Wiki article Dealing with a DME

Travel Compliance Letters

PR Dreamstation EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter
PR System One 60 Series EU 2016 Travel Compliance Letter
ResMed 2017 Travel Compliance Letter
Download the above letter(s) for use.

Help with posting a forum message

Patients need to register for a free forum account to post a forum message.
The Help button at top of every forum page is useful for obtaining help with a member's forum account. Forum Members may also ask for help in the Member Account Help Forum.
Members are encouraged to completely fill out their member profile. This is so others can offer customized help tailored to the individual.

Advice on posting questions in the forum

* Starting a new thread (topic) and putting all related questions in that thread helps to retain the history of the topic so that it's easier for others to provide help in responses to any questions or problems.
* Members should try to post as much information as possible to make it easier for others to provide advice or recommendations.
* Using multiple posts (in the same thread) is acceptable.
* It's helpful for members to include the specific type of sleep apnea or sleep disorder they have (Obstructive, Central, Complex, Hypopnea, RLS, etc.)
* If possible, members should post a copy of their sleep study or at least the summary of that study.
* Include a screenshot of daily SleepyHead charts. The charts provide solid data that is used to help spot issues and form a strategy to maximize CPAP therapy settings.
* Members should include other pertinent information, such how they feel physically or what is giving them the greatest difficulty,



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